Foncalieu’s Cotes du Rhone is drawn from vineyards in the northwest of Cotes du Rhone, where hills start to rise with forested crests on their way to meeting the wild nature park of the Ardeche. The broad spectrum of soils underneath includes sandstone, limestone, sand and clay, giving a reliable sense of balance to the grape harvest each vintage. Les Vignobles Foncalieu sells off much of their wine in bulk, but their best vines go into this cuvee, a mix of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault, all aged in steel or concrete to preserve the earthy nuances in the wine. Aromas start with blackcurrant, dried cherries, blackberries, dusty earth with plenty of garrigue. The palate is filled with clay-earth accents, rich stewed berries, and herbs like sage and oregano, all neatly wrapped in gentle but persistent tannins. This is an old-school, unvarnished Cotes du Rhone perfect for hearty stews and ribs.